Analysis: 49ers grab former Browns defensive tackle off waivers

The 49ers on Sunday claimed former Browns defensive lineman Xavier Cooper off waivers, adding a depth at defensive tackle after losing two Saturday while trimming the roster to 53 players.

San Francisco had a void at three-technique behind starter DeForest Buckner when Quinton Dial was released and Chris Jones was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Defensive lineman Ronald Blair Sunday was placed on injured reserve and is expected to be given the return designation.

Cooper, 25, was a third-round pick of the Browns (96th overall) in the 2015 NFL draft. He had 1.5 sacks and 22 tackles in 27 games with Cleveland before being released last week. He played college ball at Washington State.

Aside from nose tackles Earl Mitchell and rookie sixth-round pick D.J. Jones, the 49ers lack bulk along the defensive line. Cooper (6-4, 298) brings some to the new 4-3, one-gapping scheme. But it remains to be seen how he’ll be used as he transitions to new coordinator Robert Saleh’s system.

The 49ers have asked their nose tackles to cross train, which means Jones or Mitchell might be used when Buckner gets spelled, particularly in running downs. In long-yardage situations, San Francisco has a slew of talented pass rushers capable of pressuring from the interior.

Buckner, third-overall pick Solomon Thomas, Arik Armstead and Tank Carradine should form a steady rotation on throwing drowns. Cooper’s best chance at contributing will likely come as a run stopper, which the 49ers are missing following the release of Dial and Jones’ injury.

Barring injury, it’s difficult to expect a robust role for Cooper given all the talent above him on the depth chart. The 49ers have invested heavily along the defensive line with three first-round picks in the last three drafts. But those players are better pass rushers than run defenders.

Cooper’s addition signals a need for depth along the interior to help keep Buckner, Armstead, Thomas and others fresh for some 10-15 snaps per game, if Cooper can crack the 46-man roster on game days.

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